Welcome to the Homepage for NAVSC 411.
"Amphibious flexibility is the greatest strategic asset that a sea power possesses."
-B.H. Liddle Hart
Course Description
This course studies the concepts and evolution of Amphibious Warfare throughout time. While this is not a history class, the use of battlefield and historical studies is integral in understanding how amphibious operations have developed and how amphibious operations adhere to the principles and fundamentals of warfare.
This class is open to all Penn State students, however, certain topics and concepts of this class are intended to professionally develop future officers in the United States Marine Corps.
Methodology
This course will use lecture, historical/ battlefield study, group discussion, group projects, presentations, and tactical decision games (TDG) to accomplish the course objectives.
Course Objectives
- Understand the nature and evolution of amphibious operations.
- Understand how amphibious operations relate to the fundamentals and principles of warfare, citing historical examples.
- Understand how the U.S. Marine Corps employs amphibious doctrine today.
Expectations
- Read all assignments before class. Be prepared for and actively participate in discussions and projects.
- Attend all classes. Arrive on time in the appropriate attire. Absences need to be coordinated with me in advance in order to be considered an excused absence.
- Submit all assignments on time. Late assignments will not be accepted, resulting in a zero, unless previously arranged with the instructor.
- Learn the material and master the course for the sake of being a better person/military officer, not for the grade.
Assignments
Paper and Presentation (20%). Students will be required to complete at least one paper and presentation. The instructor will provide a list of historical case studies for the students to select from. Each student will provide a 20-30 minute presentation on the topic, which will include an overview of the operation and how it relates to the fundamental theories and concepts of this course. Each student will write a 3 page paper explaining the most significance of their case study to amphibious operations and amphibious doctrine. Additional details and a grading rubric for the presentation and paper will be disseminated within the first few weeks of the course.
Exams (20% each). Three exams will be given. These exams will be comprehensive, as the concepts covered in class will be reoccurring. These exams will focus more on the students understanding of theories and concepts rather than memorization of facts and details. Of course, the student will have to support their understanding of the theories and concepts using specifics, examples and details learned throughout the course. Expect the exams to consist of short answer and essay formats.
Participation, Homework, and Quizzes (20%).
Participation. This class will rely on discussion rather than a straight lecture format, in order to keep the class dynamic and the students involved in the material. Therefore, student attendance and participation on a daily basis is essential to the conduct of the class. Students will be given the opportunity to participate in in-class discussions, Tactical Decision Games, and group assignments (in and out of class).
Homework and Quizzes. The instructor may assign homework assignments throughout the course. Additionally, the instructor may use quizzes to evaluate the students understanding of readings and major course themes. These grades will be factored into your overall participation grades.
Tactical Decision Games (TDG).
TDGs provide an opportunity for the students to apply basic warfighting principles in a dynamic and interactive environment. They assist in developing decision making skills and a basic understanding of tactics. They will be used during the semester to augment the curriculum. The TDGs will not be a graded event, however, the student’s participation in TDGs will reflect in their participation grade.
Evaluation / Grading Criteria
| Event | Weight |
|---|---|
| Presentations/Papers | 20% |
| Quizzes/Short Assignments | 10% |
| Exam #1 | 20% |
| Exam #2 | 20% |
| Exam #3 | 20% |
| Participation | 10% |
| Grading Scale | ||
|---|---|---|
| 97-100% A+ | 73-76% C | |
| 93-96% A | 70-72% C- | |
| 90-92% A- | 67-69% D+ | |
| 87-89% B+ | 63-66% D | |
| 83-86% B | 60-63% D- | |
| 80-82% B- | 0 -59 F | |
| 77-79% C+ | ||
| Note: All grades will be rounded to the closest whole number. | ||
Academic Honesty
The Core Values of the United States Marine Corps are honor, courage, and commitment. Academic dishonesty of any kind is contrary to our Core Values. In addition, Penn State University does not tolerate academic dishonesty as set forth in a following statement from the University Administration:
Academic integrity mandates the pursuit of teaching, learning, research and creative activity in an open, honest and responsible manner. An academic community that values integrity promotes the highest levels of personal honesty, respect for the rights, property and dignity of others, and fosters an environment in which students and scholars can enjoy the fruits of their efforts.
Academic integrity includes a commitment neither to engage in acts of falsification, misrepresentation or deception, nor to tolerate such acts by other members of the community. Academic integrity is a fundamental value at Penn State. It must be at the heart of all our endeavors and must guide our actions every day as students and as members of the faculty, administration and staff. Because we expect new and continuing members of the University community to meet the high standards that are the foundation of a Penn State education, this message must be clear and reinforced frequently.
The primary responsibility for supporting and promoting academic integrity lies with the faculty and administration, but students must be active participants. A climate of integrity is created and sustained through ongoing conversations about honesty, trust, fairness, respect and responsibility and the embodiment of these values in the life of the University. Students and faculty should contribute actively to fostering a climate of academic integrity in all their scholarly activities, through discussions in first-year seminars and in other courses, and through involvement in college Academic Integrity Committees. The University community should be continually mindful of the need to preserve academic integrity even as technology changes methods of information access and use.
Colleges will provide all faculty members and teaching assistants information about appropriate ways to promote academic integrity and handle dishonesty cases. Faculty members and graduate assistants must make clear their expectations about academic integrity in every course they teach.
"Academic honesty is fundamental to the activities and principles of a university. All members of the academic community must be confident that each person’s work has been responsibly and honorably acquired, developed, and presented. Any effort to gain an advantage not given to all students is dishonest whether or not the effort is successful. The academic community regards academic dishonesty as an extremely serious matter, with serious consequences that range from probation to expulsion. When in doubt about plagiarism, paraphrasing, quoting, or collaboration, consult the course instructor."
Students With Disabilities
Students with disabilities, who may need classroom academic adjustments or auxiliary aids and services, including accommodations for access to library materials on reserve, are required to register with the Office of Disability Services, (814) 863-1807. This office reviews disability documentation provided by students, and works with students and faculty in planning any necessary accommodations. Please also feel free to notify your instructor right away about any disability-related academic needs you may have.
Texts
Primary Text:
- Bartlett, Assault from the Sea *
Supplemental Texts:
- MCDP 1, Warfighting *
- Potter, Sea Power
- Moorehead, Gallipoli *
- Eisenhower, Crusade in Europe
- Handouts and Supplemental readings as directed by the instructor
"*" - Indicates that that book will be issued from the NROTC library. All other books can be checked out from the NROTC library as required.